01/10/17 When Jesus . . .

READING: Genesis 25-26, Matthew 8:1-17

“When He came down from the mountain, large crowds followed Him.”  Matthew 8:1

I remember the times well. When my Grandpa came to our house, it was usually close to Christmas – and Santa was on his way. When my teacher came to visit my parents (a long time ago when teachers made parent-teacher visits in the home), I waited with excitement for my parents to meet my teacher. After I became a believer, I looked forward to our “bus captain” checking up on us in preparation for Sunday church. Likewise, I always looked forward to times when a friend was coming to visit.

When particular people showed up, life just changed a little for an elementary-school boy and teen growing up in Ohio. None of those exciting times, though, compared to how my life changed when Jesus showed up in my life in the late summer of 1974. Nothing would stay the same – everything would change for the rest of my life.

That’s just the way Jesus is. In fact, He’s always been that way. “When He came down from the mountain,” He healed a leper instantaneously by touching him (Matt. 8:1-3). Then, “when He entered Capernaum,” He brought healing to a Roman centurion’s servant without being near the servant; He is so powerful that He could heal with just His words (Matt. 8:5-13). Furthermore, “when Jesus went into Peter’s house,” He lowered the fever of Simon Peter’s mother-in-law simply by touching her hand (Matt 8:14). So great was His authority and healing power when He showed up that people from all over brought to Him their sick and demon-possessed.

After all, how can anything remain the same when the Son of God shows up?  Skin sores disappear. Lepers find community. Military officers—Roman centurions—recognize His power. Paralysis flees. Fevers melt. Demons run. Prophecies are fulfilled when Jesus makes His appearance. Nothing stays the same when He’s on the scene.

When did Jesus first show up in your life? What circumstances did He oversee to bring you to Himself? How has your life changed since Jesus came to you? How grateful we must be for the One who “Himself took our weaknesses and carried our diseases”! (Matt. 8:17).

ACTION STEPS: 

  • Think back to when Jesus first made Himself known in your life. Thank Him for that time.
  • If you are not a follower of Jesus, He is seeking you. Turn to Him by turning from your sin and trusting Him. Tell Him your desire to follow Him.

PRAYER: “Jesus, I stand amazed that You would love me and come to me. Thank You, and then thank You some more.”

TOMORROW'S READING: Genesis 27-28, Matthew 8:18-34

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